Ben Dwarshuis IPL 2026 (Source: Instagram.com/Punjab Kings and AFP)Australian fast-bowler Ben Dwarshuis made his IPL first-ever appearance in PBKS’ playing XI in today’s high-octane match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals at the magnificent Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) Stadium in Dharamshala. It is worth noting that Dwarshuis was bought by Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) in the 2018 IPL auction for INR 1.4 Crore. The Australian left-arm fast bowler was included in the squad for the 2018 season following his selection for Australia's T20I squad earlier that year, but he did not make an appearance in any matches.In the same context, this article sheds light on his rise in the Indian Premier League as Ben Dwarshuis makes his IPL debut on May 11, 2026.Throwback to Ben Dwarshuis’ memorable flurry of bids in IPL 2026 auctionIt is worth noting that Australian all-rounder Ben Dwarshuis was a standout pick in the IPL 2026 mini-auction. After a remarkable BBL 2025-26, he sparked a memorable "flurry of bids" before being sold to the Punjab Kings (PBKS) for ₹4.40 crore. Also read: Punjab Kings Coach To Join Indian Team After IPLThe 31-year-old, who entered with a base price of ₹1 crore, was heavily targeted for his ability to bowl in all stages of the game and his power-hitting in the final overs.Notably, 23 bids were made for the player, with intense competition involving the Gujarat Titans (GT), who pushed the price up to ₹4.20 crore before PBKS secured him. He was the most expensive acquisition for Punjab Kings in this specific mini-auction, even more than Cooper Connolly (₹3 crore).Rise of Dwarshuis’ prowess as a T20 specialistBen Dwarshuis is known for his versatility as a left-arm fast-medium bowler and left-handed batter, adding vital pace depth to the Punjab side. The Punjab Kings acquired him to strengthen their bowling attack for the 2026 season. The 31-year-old has been a regular with the Sydney Sixers since the Big Bash League season 4 (BBL), and finished with the second-most wickets in the competition in BBL-10, securing 24 to his name. Dwarshuis played in back-to-back title-winning seasons with the Sydney Sixers in BBL-10 and BBL-11. Also read: Punjab Kings Seek Top-2 Comeback Against Depleted Delhi CapitalsBen Dwarshuis' BBL dominance to IPL debutThus, as a BBL stalwart, Ben Dwarshuis' stock has risen considerably in recent seasons with more regular Australia honours. Though Dwarshuis was first selected in an Australia squad as a 23-year-old for the T20 tri-series in New Zealand in 2017-18, his debut didn't arrive until 2022, when he featured in a one-off T20 at the end of the tour of Pakistan. The following year, he played a brace of matches in India, claiming five wickets, but it wasn't until 2025 that he earned a more regular run.Eventually, his ability to bowl at any stage of the game, coupled with his prowess to hit sixes whenever needed, secured him a well-deserved IPL debut under a proven captain, Shreyas Iyer, with Punjab Kings.Follow PBKS vs DC Live Updates For Each And Every Detail Of The High-Octane IPL 2026 Clash
